Morocco Crowned 2025 Champions as CAF Disqualifies Senegal

African football has been rocked by a stunning and unprecedented decision after Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially disqualified Senegal from the 2025 AFCON final, awarding the title to Morocco.

In a dramatic twist announced on March 17, 2026, CAF confirmed that the final match has been forfeited by Senegal, with the result now recorded as a 3-0 victory in favor of Morocco, handing the Atlas Lions the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 trophy.

CAF Overturns Final Result After Appeal

The decision follows an appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which challenged the outcome of the final against Senegal.

CAF’s Appeals Board ruled in favor of Morocco, stating:

“The appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation is declared admissible and well-founded.”

The board went further to overturn the earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, concluding that Senegal’s actions during the match violated official competition regulations.

Why Senegal Was Disqualified

According to CAF, the Senegalese team breached Article 82 of the AFCON Regulations, with their conduct falling under disciplinary violations serious enough to warrant a match forfeiture under Article 84.

Reports indicate that the controversy stemmed from a dramatic moment during the final when Senegalese players walked off the pitch during a penalty kick taken by Brahim Díaz.

CAF ultimately ruled:

• Senegal forfeits the final

• Match result officially recorded as 3-0 to Morocco

• Morocco is awarded the AFCON 2025 title

This decision effectively erases Senegal’s extra-time victory, which had originally seen them crowned champions.

Morocco Officially Crowned Champions

With the ruling, Morocco are now officially recognized as AFCON 2025 winners, marking a historic and highly controversial triumph.

The decision comes two months after the final was played, making it one of the most dramatic post-match rulings in African football history.

Additional Sanctions and Decisions

CAF also issued several rulings tied to incidents during the match:

• Ismaël Saibari (Morocco) found guilty of misconduct

  • Suspended for 2 CAF matches (1 suspended)

  • $100,000 fine overturned

• Morocco’s federation (FRMF):

  • $50,000 fine for ball boys incident (reduced)

  • $100,000 fine upheld for interference near VAR area

  • $10,000 fine for laser incident (reduced)

These rulings highlight that while Morocco won the appeal, both sides were involved in disciplinary issues during the final.

A Decision That Shakes African Football

The fallout from this ruling is expected to be massive, with fans, analysts, and federations across Africa reacting to what many are calling a historic and controversial verdict.

For Senegal, the decision is a devastating blow, turning a celebrated victory into a forfeited defeat.

For Morocco, it is a title won off the pitch, but one that will forever be remembered as one of the most dramatic in AFCON history.

Photo credit: Coupe d'Afrique des Nations